'Doctor of truth' Clive Palmer says he will never lie

CLIVE Palmer has promised to be the doctor of truth in Canberra if - as forecast - he wins the seat of Fairfax.

Having woken yesterday with what appeared to be a decisive margin over the LNP's Ted O'Brien, the mega-rich businessman pledged to be an effective first-time MP.

"I'll just tell people the truth, and I don't think you can go wrong by telling people the truth," Mr Palmer said.

Mr Palmer said his likely election win and his fledgling Palmer United Party's strong showing nationally was proof of his ability to turn talk into results.

Palmer United secured a shock 6% of the primary vote nationally, with Queensland's richest man previously predicting it would be the "story of the (election) night".

Mr O'Brien yesterday issued a statement to say that the seat "remains in play".

In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily, Mr Palmer promised to strike a workable balance between this business and political interests - saying his ability to make instant decisions meant he could handle both endeavours. He also spruiked what he claimed was Palmer United candidate Bill Schoch's improbable slaying of Mal Brough in neighbouring Fisher.

Brough has claimed victory for the LNP.

With 76.4% of the vote counted in Fairfax yesterday, Palmer United had 50.9% of the vote after preferences and the LNP 49.1%.

The LNP's primary vote was 28,421 compared to Palmer's 19,091 - with a -7.9 swing against the LNP.

Australian Electoral Commission officers were yesterday rechecking ballot papers for Fairfax due to the "closeness of the seat" that was previously held by long-serving LNP member Alex Somlyay, who has retired.

Not that Mr Palmer seemed concerned.

"I understand it's a disappointment for him (O'Brien) but it's amazing that he doesn't face reality," he said.

Mr O'Brien is convinced he can spoil Mr Palmer's party.

He said: "If the people of Fairfax ever doubted the adage every vote counts, they need doubt no more. The seat remains in play."

Reader poll

What sort of MP will Clive Palmer be?

This poll ended on 10 September 2013.

Current Results

Awesome. I’m sure he’ll get things done

26%

Unsure, but it will be entertaining

30%

I hope he actually lives up to his hype

23%

Sadly, he’ll be ineffective like the rest

20%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.